Mozambique’s liquefied natural gas project, operated by TotalEnergies SE, is now expected to deliver its first exports in 2029, almost five years later than the initial July 2024 target, Bloomberg reported. The delay comes as the French energy company seeks government approval for a 4.5 billion US dollars rise in project costs linked to security interruptions.

The project, valued at around 20 billion US dollars, has the potential to significantly boost one of the world’s poorest economies. However, progress has been repeatedly disrupted by attacks from Islamic State-linked militants in Palma, near the project site, prompting Total to declare force majeure in 2021. The company has now lifted that status and submitted a revised plan of development to Mozambican authorities.

Total said government approval is required to cover “the incremental costs incurred” during the facility’s closure. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment, and the Mozambican government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Work continues on other fronts, including re-approval of US funding and mobilisation of contractors, as the company pushes to restart operations. Under the revised schedule, the first LNG cargo from the initial production line is expected in the first half of 2029, with a second production line anticipated to begin exports by the end of the year.

In addition, Total has requested a 10-year extension to the project’s development and production period and proposed changes to how state oil company Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos will reimburse development costs. CEO Patrick Pouyanne offered to discuss the outstanding approvals with President Daniel Chapo before the full resumption of construction.